Nearly 60 years later, new evidence suggests famed McNairy Co. Sheriff killed his wife
SEE ALSO: Evidence connects Buford Pusser to wife’s murder, authorities say
SOMERVILLE, Tenn. — It’s a case that’s haunted McNairy County for nearly six decades.
At a news conference in Somerville, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, alongside District Attorney General Mark Davidson. and the University of Tennessee at Martin, revealed shocking findings in the 1967 murder of Pauline Pusser.
“It’s been said that the dead cannot cry out for justice. It is the duty of the living to do so. In this case, that duty has been carried out 58 years later,” said DA Davidson.
Initially, Sheriff Buford Pusser reported he and his wife were ambushed while responding to a domestic call. Pauline was killed, and Pusser was shot in the face.
Friday, TBI says the evidence now tells a different story.
“Pauline Pusser was, more likely than not, shot outside the vehicle and then placed inside the vehicle,” said DA Davidson.
Evidence suggests that cranial trauma suffered by Pauline, depicted in crime scene photographs, does not match interior crime scene photographs of the vehicle.
“Blood splatter on the hood outside of the vehicle contradicts Buford Pusser’s statements,” said DA Davidson.
A medical examiner reveals the gunshot wound to Buford Pusser’s cheek was close contact, not long range, and quote likely “self inflicted.”
A ballistics expert reported that physical evidence in the case does not support Buford Pusser’s version of events and indicates a staged crime scene.
The location of cartridges, bullet trajectories and blood stain patterns are inconsistent with Buford Pusser’s statement.
The DA’s office believes that the TBI has created sufficient evidence to create probable cause, if Buford were alive today, to indict him to the McNairy County grand jury for the murder of Pauline.
TBI investigative files are confidential under state law with very limited expectations, however the DA’s office and the TBI have decided to make the files public. The files will be made available for the public after closure by the TBI, and the files will be kept at the University of Tennessee at Martin.
“Their commitment to maintaining and preserving the integrity of those records will ensure that future generations, scholars, historians, and citizens alike will have access to the investigative file,” said DA Davidson.
The autopsy of Pauline also revealed previous injuries and healing, prior to death, and a nasal fracture on the right side of her nose, most commonly caused by interpersonal trauma.
For more local crime coverage, click here.
